Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
As the level of insecurity in the country go from bad to worse, the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has cried out and admitted that terrorists and other criminal elements have taken over the Kainji National Park in Borgu Local Government Area from where they launch constant attacks on communities within the Borgu Kingdom.
He, however, blamed the rising security challenges especially in Borgu on the influx of people into the Emirates without being profiled, a development he said has become a security concern to the entire state and the country at large.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim quoted the governor to have stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji.
Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa, to sympathise with him and the entire people of the Emirate over the recent terrorist attacks across the state.
The Governor also raised concern over the activities of informants to the terrorists which he claimed have thwarted security efforts in the area, hence the escalation in terrorist attacks.
He revealed that it was time to get rid of the terrorists and other criminal elements from the area and therefore gave the communities within the Kainji National Park two months to relocate.
“The resettlement of the people has become necessary to avoid collateral damage, as the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is determined to clear the forest, flush out criminals who are using Kainji National Park as their camp.”
Governor Bago nevertheless asked the Emirate Council to rise up to its responsibility and join forces with the security agencies and government at all levels to combat any form of insecurity in the area.
He, therefore, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir and the people of the Emirate, especially the families of the victims, over the attack which led to the killing of 42 in Kasuwan deji and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and comfort to their loved ones.
Emir of Borgu pledged to work closely with relevant authorities to identify and prosecute informants in the Emirate, pointing out that the security of lives and property is paramount, hence, no stone will be left unturned in securing them.
He thanked the governor for the visit and reassured him of the Emirate’s continuous support for his policies and programmes geared towards improving the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, a few hours after the governor’s visit, the terrorists again struck and attacked Kabe village in the same Borgu local government area and killed an 85-year-old woman.
According to a source close to the community, the terrorists invaded the community in their numbers on motorcycles, and carted away food items. The number of kidnapped victims was still sketchy at the time of writing this report.
